Many of you who've read this blog for a while, or those who read the book, know that I use some relaxation techniques to help me deal with chronic pain. I've read a lot of information about how to use relaxation techniques, the benefits of using them and how they can help with chronic pain management. I think they're a valuable part of any person's tool box, so I present a resource list of some of the tools, tricks and links I've found helpful. We'll try to start with the general relaxation links first, then go into the chronic pain related stuff. But first, I'll cover a few good sites I'm familiar with which sell mp3 relaxation tools. Finally, if you know of resources I'm not listing here, please drop them in the comments, and of course, if you can't think of something I haven't listed, check the comments to see what others have suggested!

Sites from which to purchase relaxation mp3's, CDs'S and tapes

Health Journeysis a wonderful resource for guided imagery, meditation and general relaxation tools for anyone with or without any health problems. Many of the guided imagery sessions can be purchased as mp3s, and in most cases can be downloaded the next day.

Pain Supportoffers a lot of information on natural and non-drug pain therapies, but the site also offers an mp3 version of the CD "Relax and Release your Pain". This CD is excellent for pain and stress, and it's one of the best investments I could have made.

Amazonhas an mp3 store, and there are several good CDS of relaxing music. Best of all, you can hear samples of most tracks and get a good idea if you might like the CD or song before you buy the mp3. Here are a few I like:

Meditainmentoffers mp3 meditations on a subscription basis, but they do have one meditation available for free. I've used some of their programs and am finding that they are worth the subscription price.

Empowered Withinhas several CDS available for sale, and it looks like some of them are available in mp3 format. The one I listened to and used was helpful, but I haven't had a chance to check out many of the others.

Soundsleeping.comlooks like a neat tool, in which you can even mix your own sleep/relaxation soundtrack. It seems to be flash based, which I can't get to work. I don't know how much of that is me, and how much of that is a flash accessibility issue. Your mileage may vary.

Background Information, How-Tos and the basics

These are some basic resources on meditation, imagery and the premises behind them. They are generally not specific to any condition, but will give you some basics on how to get started. Remember, too, that resources in other parts of this list will also contain basic information you may want to use to get started.

World Wide On Line Meditation CenterOkay, so I could've listed this under the mp3 purchasing section, but honestly, I found this link while preparing this section (gotta love not catching all the tabs in Firefox). Butt it actually does fit here. There are tons of information on various types of meditation and relaxation techniques. It's organized by "rooms", so it's very much like a school, where you go into a room based on what you want to learn about.

Top Ten Count-Downfrom theHow to Cope with Pain BlogI put this here because it shows that relaxation doesn't have to mean just sitting with your eyes closed, and you don't need chronic pain to do any of thes. Well, in my opinion, I don't need chronic pain, period, but that's a different post all together.

A Walk on the BeachSusan Palwick describes how she helped a patient in the ER relax. The walk on the beach is always a popular relaxation choice, but this story shows why that is. And it shows that you truly can use relaxation in healing ways, even in the most trying of circumstances.

Seven Ways to Catch Your BreathThese ideas are so important when dealing with a stressful situation. Relaxation is important, and it extends to handling stressful situations. Here's what to do when you don't know what to do.

Relaxation, Coping and Chronic Pain

The following are some articles which apply relaxation to life with chronic pain. A few of these are more about practical life, and many include relaxation tips.

Eleven Chronic Pain Control TechniquesDescribes 11 different techniques to help control pain. These are brief descriptions, but it gives a great idea of what may be worth trying. There are a few which I hadn't heard of, and I'd still like to work through a few of these which I haven't tried yet.

Relaxation and Chronic PainAn online version of a chapter from a chronic pain workbook. This one is really in-depth, and I highly recommend it. I like it because the credibility is pretty high.

Rejuvenate YourselfDiscusses several relaxation and rejuvination techniques, along with some brief directions on how to get started.

14 Natural Pain RelieversDiscusses several holistic techniques for relieving pain. True, not all of these fit into the imagery/relaxation technique idea, but many of these things can work with relaxation. For example, I sometimes find that if I need breakthrough medication, using heat and relaxation with that medication makes it work better. It's like delivering a tripple punch to the pain, in a kind, deep-breathing way, of course.

When we slip: Progress is not linearSuch an important fact to remember. We're all going to struggle at some point, and it's not always going to be easy. When that happens, read this article.

5 steps to start the new year rightThis is another article from Chronic Babe, and as usual, it's excellent. I've included it here because it shows so many ideas on how you can incorporate relaxation into your day. The ideas on rituals are helpful.

Previous Posts and My Personal Tips

There are several posts in this blog (a few of which show up in the book), which address relaxation and mindbody aproaches to life with chronic pain. This list includes some of those, but also has some non-link tips which I feel should be mentioned here.

Remember that imagery doesn't have to be visual. As a blind person, I found that part of my problem with relaxation techniques were how visual they were. I discussed that with other people who are blind and my relaxation teacher, and we came up with adaptations for me. When I'm picturing my beach, I feel the warm sand and the beach towel. I feel the sun on my skin, the breeze and the warmth. I smell whatever smells I want to be on that beach. I see what I can with my light and color perception and I hear the ocean moving. Almost every relaxation technique can be adapted. Anyone who says it can't forgets that relaxation happens within us, and with the resources we have within us.

Use multiple techniques when your pain is bad. This one is my preference, but I think it works. If my pain is really bad, sometimes it takes more to get into a relaxed state. I'll use lavender or other aromatherapy/essential oil blends, heat, medication, elevation, and relaxation techniques. What's important is paying attention to what works in which situations and using it then.

Figure out when to do relaxation techniques by yourself and when to add the voice of a "guide". A guide can be the mp3 you downloaded or a friend, family member or other person adding guidance. I have learned that I do better with a guide, but that I should not use a guide when I'm out and about.

Don't shunn the idea of affirmations. The imagery for pain I got fromHealth Journeyscomes with an affirmations track. It's simply a track/mp3 of various statements which you can listen to to help create changes in attitude. I thought that idea was weird, to be honest. Now, I use it, and it helps me feel better emotionally. Maybe that change can be helpful to my perception of my pain, too.

Investigate other options. It's good to know what's out there and what could increase your ability to relax. Look at what might be helpful.

Change your environment. One thing I find to be helpful is to make sure my environment is conducive to relaxation. Put simply, am I comfortable, is it quiet and do I have time for this? That's a question which is definitely important to ask.

That is a very interesting post on relieving stress! In fact, to find out more about other useful stress relieving techniques, check out http://www.howtorelievestress.org, they have many great articles and tips to guide you.